Conversational. SBAR. Therapeutic. Assertive. Passive. Slurred. Clear. Articulate. Aphasic. These are all words to describe methods and/or characteristics of communication. Effective communication in Healthcare is crucial, however, what may seem like an elementary skill, communication does not come naturally for many people. Disclaimer…I may be bias as I do speak to myself in a closetContinue reading “It is my biggest pet peeve.. Why are you calling me?”
Category Archives: Nursing tips
“It will take a year..”
The infamous question from new grads to preceptors is, “How long does it take to know what I am doing?” For many, the answer is one year. Nursing school starts with fundamentals, where students learn how to give a bed bath and safely transfer a patient to the bathroom, to Medical-Surgical Nursing III, where studentsContinue reading ““It will take a year..””
From Student to Nursing Instructor
In December 2017, I graduated with my AS in Nursing. 5 years later, I am teaching at the same place where I was a student. There are pros and cons of being a young instructor. It is nice to be able to remember how students are feeling at this stage in their nursing career, however,Continue reading “From Student to Nursing Instructor”
The Meaning of a Pin
As a student nurse, the one day that you look forward to is even of greater significance than college graduation.. nursing pinning. The nurse’s pin dates back to the early Maltese cross in which a pin was worn meaning a service of Christianity. The servants would care for others with communicable illnesses. Since then, theContinue reading “The Meaning of a Pin”
Building a Life you Want
Build a life you want and save for it. This is a FIRE concept in which you can still prepare to be Financially Independent and Retire Early, while also living a life that you desire. As nurses, we learn to prioritize. We start our day prioritizing as we choose which patient to see first. WeContinue reading “Building a Life you Want”
It’s okay to take up space
Do you ever say sorry out of habit? “I’m sorry for..” Making it into the grocery line first Being in the med room as another nurse walks in Filing a valid complaint Asking for a favor Waking up a doctor for a patient need/concern I have a habit of apologizing for things that 1.) areContinue reading “It’s okay to take up space”
Living as an Oxymoron
Do you ever get a little bit tired of life? Like you’re not really happy, but you don’t wanna die? “Having anxiety and depression is like feeling tired and scared at the same time. It’s the fear of failure, but no urge to be productive. It’s feeling everything at once, then feeling paralyzingly numb.” AsContinue reading “Living as an Oxymoron”
Defensive Medicine: Protect Thyself
The NIH defines defensive medicine as “departing from normal medicine practice as a safeguard from litigation.” In essence, it is over-prescribing to prevent from getting sued due to missing any clinical components. But this isn’t the type of defensive medicine I am referring to. The type of defensive medicine I am talking about involves appropriatelyContinue reading “Defensive Medicine: Protect Thyself”
Communicating for Change
“All communication must lead to change”- Aristotle In acting, we learn that words are useless. Words only become effective once humans add purpose to them. The greatest actors understand the power of each word and use that power effectively to change the person they are speaking to. The change can be a perspective of aContinue reading “Communicating for Change”
It’s Just a Bad Shift: The Importance of Mindset
In the past several weeks, I have transitioned into a new job, got scammed out of $1000, lost and found my “sold” wedding dress, messed up my personal website, and our house closing has gotten delayed. Reflecting on these many frustrations, I remind myself that these are so little mishaps in the grand scheme ofContinue reading “It’s Just a Bad Shift: The Importance of Mindset”
Patient Talk 